Tag: love

Posted in prayer, prayers

Prayer of Protection Against Evil

Posted on by M Artisans

Prayer For Protection Against Evil

Heavenly Father, You have promised that when we dwell in the secret place of the most High and shelter under the shadow of Your wings you will guard and guide us, protect us and keep us – for You are our refuge and our fortress and You alone are the one in Whom we place our trust.

Thank You Lord that no matter where I go Your hand leads me, and Your right arm upholds me.. for You are before me and behind me, You are above me and below me You are at my right hand and also at my left. And You are within me.. indwelling in my heart by the power of Your Holy Spirit, Who is my ever present Help in time of trouble.

Father, I pray that You would protect me and my family from all the evils that are lurking nearby and from those that would seek to harm us. Uphold us and keep us safe from all the evils that encircle our lives. Put Your hedge of protection and safety around us we pray, and place a guard at our doors and protects us from all that pass by our gate. And Father, keep our hearts from fear but rather fill us to overflowing with Your perfect peace that passes all understanding. Thank You that You are indeed our refuge and strength. You are that ever present Help in time of trouble – therefore in Your strength we will not fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the middle of the sea. – for You are with us wherever we go. Thank You in Jesus name, Amen.

Posted in life, psychology

What are the benefits of having Good friends

Posted on by M Artisans

Do you know that there are benefits of having good friends?

Having supportive people around you, includes family, partners, colleagues. These good friends can have a major impact in your life, health and overall well-being according to Mayo clinic.

Benefits of Friendship

  • Increase your sense of belonging and purpose
  • Boost your happiness and reduce your stress
  • Improve your self confidence and self worth
  • Help you cope traumas such as divorce, serious illness, job loss or death of a loved one
  • Encourage you to have healthy lifestyle or habit
  • Promote personal development

Good friends are good for your health. Friends can help you celebrate good times and provide support during bad times. Friends prevent isolation and loneliness and give you a chance to offer needed companionship, too.

Mayo clinic

People with strong social connections have reduced risk of many health problems. Studies found that older adults who have good friends and social support are likely to live longer.

Among all the benefits of having meaningful relationships, Emotional support is significant. They listen to your problems, can validate your feelings, and can help distract you when you’re sad or upset.

In one of the lessons I had, Professor Jonah Berger of Wharton University said, ” people are 36% more likely to quit smoking if a friend quits.”

Your friends can support your choices and even promote the right ones. They can cheer you on, motivate you like gym buddies or yoga partners.

Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs

Sense of belongingness comes in third on Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs. Caring about others makes life more meaningful. Your self worth increases, knowing you have a support system can help you feel more secure in your own life.

On the other hand, unhealthy or toxic friendships can cause stress and bring you down. Choose your companions and avoid toxic people; gossiper, unkind or rude, manipulative, selfish, etc.

Pexels.com

Bottom line, good friends are important in your life. Strong friendships will continue to strengthen you, make you healthier and help you have a brighter outlook.

❤

Posted in faith, life, motivational, prayer

How to be content with your life

Posted on by M Artisans

For those who’ve been following me in IG, one chronic side effect of my treatment or symptom management is depression. It can also be brought by endometriosis (and adenomyosis) either way am 😦

We’ve all had this feeling before – sadness, dark cloud above your head, low days, lonelines… I cannot describe this state in the most positive way possible, an overall feeling of doom, zero inspiration and motivation.

Truth is no one could completely grasp one’s feelings and emotional well being. Help starts with you. It takes massive effort yes, but it’s worth the try…

Please remember that – your current state is not forever, this (too) shall pass.

How to be content with your life?

  1. Change your perspective – the easiest way to be content with your life is adjusting your perspective. Instead of being stuck with the past or obsessing over the future, focus on Living in the Present.
  2. Be Grateful for what you have – though our life may be miserable today but try thinking of the things you have and how lucky you are compare to other people. This also includes – to stop comparing yourself with others. As the old saying goes – “the grass is greener on the other side” – the things we don’t have seem better than the things we have. This is the biggest obstacle in achieving happiness. Because there will always be someone who is happier, healthier, richer than you. But why look? If it’s only going to make you more miserable and unhappy.
  3. Appreciate the little things – Every detail in your life counts. We may take for granted this little things because we are too focused on the negative. Daily reflection, write a journal, a walk outside for some fresh air. Making a habit of reflecting will help you think rationally when a problem arises and will keep you from being blind-sided by problems that are lurking in your life.

One thing that really helps me is – FAITH. I can’t imagine myself being in the center of these all without Jesus. To be able to believe in something greater than us is the most effective coping mechanism for people who are suffering.

Yes it’s okay not to feel okay, if you need to cry then do it…

David Spiegel, MD, the medical director of the Center for Integrative Medicine at Stanford University School of Medicine, reminds us that “Happiness is not the absence of sadness.”

Let me share these beautiful songs… Allow Jesus to be with you, to cry with you and feel with you…

Happy are the people who are sad now,

God will come near to help them.

Matthew 5:4 Easy

I will be still and

know You are God.

Posted in life, motivational

What it means to be loyal

Posted on by M Artisans

If there’s one substantial quality to have in our relationships – with our loved ones, our family, friends, partners, colleagues, etc. – it could be loyalty. All relationships even between sellers and customers are based on our ability to be loyal.

Loyalty, in general use, is a devotion and faithfulness to a nation, cause, philosophy, country, group, or person. Philosophers disagree on what can be an object of loyalty, as some argue that loyalty is strictly interpersonal and only another human being can be the object of loyalty.

– Wikipedia

We may have different perceptions of loyalty but there are common characteristics that indicate loyalty. It is the most valued virtue in all relationships and encompasses the following traits.

Character Traits of Loyalty

  • a loyal person fulfills promises
  • a loyal person is supportive
  • a loyal person stands by you and for you
  • a loyal person values honesty
  • a loyal person is empathic
  • a loyal person is reliable
  • a loyal person is committed and dedicated

We all want the warmth and security that a loyal relationship brings. We like to be with people who are more likely to be faithful to us. And it is one of the basic necessity according to Maslow’s Heirarchy of Needs – Belongingness and Love Needs.

But remember not to expect other people the exact values we possess. We are all unique and different in personality traits, character, priorities, etc. One can cheat or be faithful to someone forever.

Loyalty is a value that is necessary for a lasting and meaningful relationships.

❤

Posted in life

Think Local, Support Small Businesses

Posted on by M Artisans

Why Supporting Local Small Businesses is good for the community?

Local businesses are establishments in your neighborhood that humbly faced all kinds of challenges in the economy. From crisis of covid-19 pandemic to destruction and outtages after typhoon Odette. They are optimistic locals who keep in mind the welfare of the community. For them service is on personal level. Not from a corporate standpoint. Everyone is treated like a family.


Why Support local stores?
Because they care for you. With the endless motto – “customer is king” their top priority is to serve the neighborhood especially in this time of crisis. For owners of micro-businesses every customer, employee and staff is important. Their interests, health, transport, stress, total well-being are kept in mind. They take measures for the concern of each individual.

In this volatile times, smaller, local businesses count on your patronage in order to stay afloat; every transaction is precious to them. They start small, with capital that came from their savings, goals and dreams are humble and decent. By supporting these small businesses, you are in turn supporting your local economy; more money stays in a community when purchases are made at locally owned. You support their dreams!

Local small businesses are owned and operated by your neighbors! They care about you and are invested in the well-being of your community and its future. They employ trust worthy people who have become a family.

So the next time you need to get some groceries, craving for snacks or do a little shopping, seek out a small business and see what they have to offer! You could discover some great products (even handmade) and services while helping to build a strong and successful community around you.

Angel Pharmacy Cebu
Angel Pharmacy Cebu
Angel Pharmacy Cebu

#thinklocal

❤

Posted in kdrama

Extraordinary Attorney Woo: Season 1 finale & Spoilers

Posted on by M Artisans

Episode 16: Though Unusual and Peculiar

This marks the finale of season 1 and what a beautiful way to end it by Attorney Woo discovering a new emotion – “fulfillment.”

In my Psychology class, we’re repeatedly taught to identify our feelings. It is amazing and extraordinary for Attorney Woo who has Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD) was able to discover and name that new feeling. Thanks to the good upbringing of her father that even in the lack of money/power, she turned out well.

This drama grew on me as I see the maturity of Young Woo despite her disability. Her conversations with her parents and peers are thought provoking even the dialogue with herself is heartwarming. No wonder I have made several posts about this Kdrama 😉

In this episode we’ll meet Tae Su-mi’s son and younger brother of Attorney Woo – Sang Hyeon, also a genius and gimbap lover. Many “good” things happened like Attorney Min-woo having a change of heart, bravery of Young Woo and her realizations, confession of Jun-ho, etc. It’s like everything falls into place as they wrap up season 1.

Allow me to share the touching words of Young Woo talking to Tae Su-mi ~

“Sang Hyeon believes you’re a good mom. Don’t betray his belief.”

“You were not a good mother to me, but at the very least, please be a good mother to Sang Hyeon.”

Young Woo began the confrontation by saying that she is like a narwhal in a pod of belugas. Being with different whales and an ocean of many experiences, she appreciates and sees this in a beautiful way. “Though unusual and peculiar” – title of this episode was manifested very well. Jun-ho got back together with Young Woo and their talk about a love for a cat is cute and funny.

After winning the case, the characters gather to eat and celebrate. They are happy, teasing each other as usual. I love this Hanbada team so much!

Episode 16 stills

Attorney Woo is the character we all need in this difficult times. This drama appealed to me in many levels and if you’d agree with me the ending is life-like, it’s meant to go on (as we look forward to season 2).

Youtube/The Swoon

All whales are happy now, this is a perfect ending for season 1 indeed

❤ 사랑

Posted in life, motivational

Life 101: How to not to be toxic

Posted on by M Artisans

Studying Psychology shows you a myriad of complicated terms, endless name of disorders, personality types, etc. But let’s be practical here, everywhere you go there’s always a “toxic” person. They’re impossible to avoid, can give you negative feelings and worse affect your mental health.

But do you know that Toxic behavior is something that can manifest in us all?

We all have bad days but it is important to be aware of our actions and how they affect the people around us. “Self-awareness” – according to my professor and the author of best selling book Permission to feel – Marc Brackett, is the start of becoming an Emotional Scientist.

First, let us learn how to identify a toxic individual.

Toxic people in your life

Being toxic is never fun to be around, you drive people away and usually encounter conflicts and misunderstandings. Keep in mind that these behaviors don’t happen overnight, it is developed through the years and has underlying causes or triggers like childhood trauma. They are actually unconscious and developed over time as their defense mechanism. Not an excuse though, that’s why we begin by realizing if our behavior is already hurting other people.

Ways not to be toxic.

1. Replace negative thoughts with positive ones

  • it all starts with your mind, your thoughts drive and guide how you behave.
  • In my psychology course by Yale Center of Emotional Intelligence, we are provided with “thought strategies”.
  • Professor Marc Brackett said that our brain is hay wired to think negatively right away, it is our automatic way of thinking. This is not good for the body as it activates our limbic system.
  • Thinking positively takes time and lot of effort.

2. Be actively Grateful

  • When we practice gratitude, our feelings of accomplishment and satisfaction increase, and the feeling of burn-out decreases.
  • Toxic people are unhappy because they tend to look at the past and for them everything in their life is not good enough.
  • Take a few minutes everyday to be actively grateful. This could be anything from your pet, sunshine or good weather, family, or the roof above your head.
  • If you really want not to be toxic, know that acknowledging the good things in your life lets you focus on them and everything else seems brighter and happier.

3. Think before you react

  • build the habit of pausing before reacting.
  • toxic people are highly reactive, they tend to lash out on people around them.
  • this is the best time to practice being a better listener, so instead of reacting try to listen first.
  • being an active listener shows that you care.

4. Let your ego go

  • a toxic person is desperate to maintain a certain image to the point of attacking others, or being defensive and becoming a habitual liar.
  • they believe they’re entitled and people are beneath them.
  • accept that nobody’s perfect and that you’re not always correct.
  • kindness is free and without your ego this is easy.

5. Show accountability

  • this is related to ego, apologizing is like admitting defeat to a toxic person.
  • admitting you’ve made a mistake and taking responsibility makes it feel you’ve failed.
  • if you’re not able to be accountable for your own wrongdoing — if you dig in, and have to maintain your image — this is a big potential problem. For one, it’s a sign of narcissism.
  • it will be a struggle to maintain a real relationship to someone who can never ever accept fault. It makes other people uncomfortable, denies their emotions or needs, and leaves them feeling wronged too.

6. Avoid gossip

  • here comes “marites” or the gossiper
  • it becomes highly toxic when the objective of the story is to destroy other people and talk about their misfortunes.
  • don’t be too quick to judge others and then spread rumor about them.
  • try to know people first, listen, be kind and considerate.

7. Build others up, not test them

  • we all want to be with someone who celebrates with us. They are happy when you’ve achieved something instead of belittling.
  • this is related to gossiping, if we try to pinpoint the mistakes of other people.
  • real strength is when you uplift and motivate others instead of pulling them down.

8. Seek help

  • if you’re unsure about your own behaviour in certain aspects of life, that’s completely fine. It’ll probably best to act on it right away.
  • whether it’s consulting friends, family, a professional (like a therapist), there are ways to learn more about ourselves and help us improve these areas in our life.
  • toxic behavior doesn’t happen accidentally. It’s likely caused by something in your mind like unresolved issues and past trauma.
  • connecting with others is also a way of healing. Strong social ties are linked with happiness, longevity and health.

Reaching this point means you care about yourself as a person and open to growth and maturity. Don’t worry, being toxic is not forever, it’s not permanent.

“when you let go of who you are, you become who you might be.”

– RUMI

❤

Posted in kdrama, life

My Liberation Notes – subtle but deep

Posted on by M Artisans

While waiting for the next episodes of Our Blues, got curious about this new Kdrama starring Lee Min-ki, Kim Ji-won, Son Seok-koo, and Lee El.

thought provoking

To stand out among hundreds of K-drama reviews, I’d like to skip the synopsis or plot of this series. It’s a melodrama full of metaphors, deep thoughts and musings.

Main leads are subtly but deeply connected and attracted to each other. Love that goes beyond physical contact, it’s thought-provoking.

You may find it slow and dragging at first, but as you get to know the three siblings especially Mi Jeong (Kim Ji-Won), her thoughts while commuting in and out of Seoul. These siblings are struggling with their own issues, money, huge debt, work, relationships, etc.

Something good will happen to you today…

Written by ParkHae-young, and directed by Kim Suk-yoon, is relatable on many levels, the camaraderie between the co-workers, the after-work gossip, and the random ranting sessions. This drama connects with your consciousness and desires that you feel part of the story.

Mark 6:50

Yes, I believe we all have that desire to feel loved, or to Mi Jeong – be worshipped.

❤

Posted in kdrama

Business Proposal review

Posted on by M Artisans

Okay, I’m quite late so will just give a quick review on the latest hit Kdrama – Business Proposal. Based on a webtoon of the same title by HaeHwa and illustration by Narak.

One of the best rom-com to date, this is one of my favorites too! The cast is just as wonderful that adds charm and fun to the series 🙂 Starring Ahn Hyo-seop, Kim Sejeong, Kim Minkyu and Seol In-ah. This drama is the complete opposite of last historical series that i watched with Ahn Hyo-seop as Ha-ram in Lovers of the Red Sky.

It tells the story of Shin Ha-ri (Kim Sejeong), a hardworking employee who accepts to go on a blind date in place of her friend (Seol In-ah), but finds out that her date is actually her boss, the president of their company (Ahn Hyo-seop).

You may find the plot a cliche, the usual CEO falling in love to a commoner. But the main leads did a great job, quirky and really funny. Though a little short with only 12 episodes, was hoping for more, no wonder it’s been the most hyped in Netflix since it first aired last April.

❤

Posted in motivational

Life after Odette

Posted on by M Artisans

December 16, 2021 was a day we will never forget.

One of the strongest typhoon hit Cebu province and nearby islands. Philippines is no stranger to typhoons, there are about 40 storms passing every year. And Odette has been the most destructive event since 2013 with Yolanda (typhoon Haiyan).

Odette was internationally known as Super typhoon Rai. It brought violent winds that destroy buildings and infrastructures, knocked down posts and uprooted trees. I personally witnessed the strong winds rampaging our compound and we could hear the howling, roof flying and tiles being thrown around.

In my calendar, I marked that day, it was Thursday. We were supposed to close the store in the usual hour – 10pm. But due to the scary weather forecast, we are forced to close by 3pm. I remember clearly that the wind started to become stronger around 5-6pm. The peak was around 7-8pm and electricity was out by 9pm.

I have not seen such catastrophe and it’s like we were brought down to our knees to beg God for mercy. Thankfully, there was minimal damage in our property. But problems persist due to electricity outage. We lived through 6-7 weeks of no light. Water was also scarce, there was long queue in gasoline and water refilling stations everywhere. As if a doomsday scenario, and no this is not an exaggeration.

We witnessed first hand the wrath of Odette and it changed our perspective in life. Due to lack of water, we cherished every drop and bathed using one pail each. Signal was very bad and I wasn’t able to contact my family in Manila for the first 3 days. We lived one day at a time, everything was a challenge including cooking. That prompted me to try intermittent fasting. The inconveniences were too much, many people lost their houses and worst their loved ones.

Still grateful for the people who checked on us and some even offered to send help, I remember them all. My recollection especially during struggles and emotional incidents is at its height. Wishing to repay them someday. Kindness really is contagious.

Months after, and nightmare is almost forgotten but the lessons I’ve learned and the experiences are etched in my memory. I thank the Lord for all of these and for thriving with only our faith as lifeline.

❤